Protestors attack revised wind plans

Villagers at a previous protest

Wind farm campaigners have hit out at an energy firm after it submitted revised plans for five turbines closed to Watford Gap service station.

Gamesa, based in Spain, has submitted new plans to Daventry District Council which will see five turbines at a height of 415ft.

The company had planned to build a seven-turbine wind farm on the site in 2011, but has now scaled back the plan.

It will be known as the Watford Gap Renewable Energy Park and would be operational for a maximum of 25 years.

Yolanda Wilcock, from Stopgap, said: “We are disappointed that, yet again, Gamesa has failed to consult with the village of Watford which is closest to the proposed windfarm.

“For over six years now we have been fighting this development but they have only ever tried to engage with us once and that was over five years ago. The Government places increasing importance on local consultation but Gamesa seems to be ignorant of this fact.

“We are concerned that the revised plan still places turbines very close to residences including one Grade 2 listed property.

“And Watford village faces the threat of being surrounded by multiple wind farms as this small part of Northamptonshire is being turned into a wind farm corridor.”

Documents drawn up by Gamesa have said the development may not be welcomed by everyone.

They said: “The wind turbines will be present in many views from public footpaths and other rights of way in the vicinity of the site, and this change is likely to be a significant visual effect within 2 to3 km of the development site.

“Whether this is perceived as adverse or beneficial depends upon the attitude of the viewer.”

The company has said the five turbines would create enough energy to power 4,326 houses a year.